Sexual Harassment Policy

Sexual Harassment

All forms of harassment are contrary to basic standards of conduct between individuals and are prohibited by state and federal law, as well as this policy, and will not be tolerated. The District is committed to providing an academic and work environment that respects the dignity of individuals and groups. The District shall be free of sexual harassment and all forms of sexual intimidation and exploitation. It shall also be free of other unlawful harassment, including that which is based on any of the following statuses: national origin, religion, age, sex (gender), race, color, medical condition, Vietnam era Veteran status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, or because he or she is perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics.

The District seeks to foster an environment in which all employees and students feel free to report incidents of harassment without fear of retaliation or reprisal. Therefore, the District also strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual for filing a complaint of harassment or for participating in a harassment investigation. Such conduct is illegal and constitutes a violation of this policy. All allegations of retaliation will be swiftly and thoroughly investigated. If the District determines that retaliation has occurred, it will take all reasonable steps within its power to stop such conduct. Individuals who engage in retaliatory conduct are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination or expulsion.

Board Policies and Administrative Procedures

BP 3430 – Prohibition of Discrimination and Harassment

AP 3430 – Prohibition of Harassment (pending board approval)

AP 3435 – Discrimination and Harassment Complaints and Investigations

How to File a Complaint

The written policy and procedures for filing and processing complaints for unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment are contained in the District's Policy and Procedures for Unlawful Discrimination Under Title 5, Sections 59300 et seq.

Contact Information

A community college district employee may also file his or her employment-related complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) (http://www.eeoc.gov/) and/or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). (http://www.dfeh.ca.gov/) 1-800-884-1684;